Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 53: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–69406. This msg in 3 parts. Subj is Sixth Meeting of Sub Delegation at Kaesong 22 Aug.
Part 1. Summary: The discussions followed the same trend as that of former meetings and concluded with an exploration of the principle of adjustments to the battle line as means of establishing the military demarcation line.
In the exchanges each party again reviewed in some detail certain arguments for their proposals and counter arguments against the proposals of the other side. Lee several times made the statement that no progress could be made until United Nations Command Delegation gave up not only the concept under which UNC is compensated on the ground for its Air and Navy but also any plan based upon the line of contact. Hsieh on other hand said no progress could be made until UNC gave up at least its first proposal. Numerous attempts were made to determine if, in fact, there was a difference between statements of Lee and Hsieh. It was agreed that no definite conclusion to that effect is justified. Toward the end of the day’s conference the question of the relationship of the line of contact to the military demarcation line and the demilitarized zone was brought up by the Commies and explored. Both parties agreed to the broad principle that adjustments could be made to the line of contact by withdrawals [Page 848] and advances by both sides in such a way as to fix a military demarcation line. Not yet known why Commies pressed for agreement on this principle. Again we emphasized that all proposed adjustments would be judged on merits alone and that 38th Parallel has no merit. Meetings continue 23 Aug.
Part 2. Progress: None.
Part 3. Conclusions: No change.